New Car Demand Set to Rise Thanks to Cheap Car Leasing Deals

The availability of cheap car leasing deals and a strong demand for fuel efficient cars is set to result in a rise in the sale of new vehicles rise over the next few months. Automotive Management says that experts ‘are now predicting that the recovery of consumer confidence is set to continue, and with it continued growth in demand for great deals on new cars.’

Car sales have increases for 15 successive months and new car registrations in May were at their strongest level for 6 years. We look at how cheap car leasing and contract hire deals are driving demand for new cars in the UK.

Cheap car leasing deals driving demand for new cars

May 2013 saw an 11 per cent increase in new car registrations, with 180,111 new cars sold. It was the 15th successive month of growth and private demand for new vehicles is now beyond pre-recession volumes recorded in 2007.

According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), registrations have risen 9.3 per cent for the year-to-date to 948,666 units.

Scotland posted the biggest growth in May, with registrations up 17.54 per cent. Wales was up 17.36 per cent, Northern Ireland 12.21 per cent and England 10.44 per cent.

Automotive Management says that ‘trends among private buyers provide a good indication that the confidence of consumers is strengthening while they perceive there are bargains to be had.’

Mike Baunton, SMMT interim chief executive, said: “The performance of new car registrations in May marks a significant milestone for UK automotive, with cars registered by private buyers rising more than 20 per cent, bettering pre-recession volumes posted in 2007.”

Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), said: “It is now evident that consumer confidence in buying cars is back on track.”

There are a number of factors that are boosting the new car market in the UK. One of the main reasons why demand is high is because of the wide range of cheap car leasing and attractive finance offers that are available. With more and more car buyers using car leasing and dealer car finance to drive away a new car, low cost deals are encouraging many motorists into showrooms. Analysts at CAP Automotive recently claimed that motorists are enjoying the best cheap car leasing and new car deals since 1979.

In addition, many drivers are switching to more fuel efficient vehicles while a switch from used cars to new cars may also be in progress, as the recession-induced dip in new car sales has restricted the supply of quality used cars.

John Leech, UK head of automotive at KPMG, said: “The new car market in the UK continues to be buoyed by substantial discounts offered by car manufacturers directly to consumers, such as 0 per cent finance.

“Secondly, UK banks are midway through settling PPI mis-selling compensation claims with UK consumers, which have averaged £2,700 per claimant over the past two years and totalled £9 billion so far. These one-off lump sums have released pent-up demand for cars.

“Finally, there have been some real advances in fuel efficiency offered by car manufacturers in response to a trend for consumers favouring smaller, fuel-efficient cars, up 14 per cent year-to-date.

“At 7.5 years old, the average age of cars on UK roads is now higher than at any time in the past 20 years and consumers are increasingly switching older cars for newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles.”

Author Bio:Sherwood Garage provides people in search of used porsche scotland with the best selection they can choose from. For years now, Sherwood Garage have delivered the exceptional service of delivering admirable types of cars to our clients’ garages.

Inexpensive Ways to Enjoy Your Retirement

retirement (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

For some, boredom begins upon retirement. But for others, adventures start once you’re done with all your career responsibilities. Retirement is the best time to explore new things you haven’t tried before and do what you have always wanted to do but just never had the chance to do so. While you may not be as physically active as you have been years back, there are still a lot of things that you can do to enjoy retirement without being guilty in spending too much.

Travel

Oh the feeling of being in a new place and discovering new sights! Try channeling the wanderlust in you and go somewhere you have always longed. There are a lot of travel packages you could find that offer good rates. It would be best to avail of special senior discounts or take part of guided group tours, which is so much safer. Just like anything else, set a budget for your travel and stick to it no matter how irresistible it can seem by researching and deciding exactly where you want to go and what to do when you get there.

Engage in literature

Remember how much time you had to spend in paper works and all other work-related things that you could only wish for a time off and snuggle with a good book? Well you now have all the time in the world to learn more about history or be in engrossed in a fantasy world. Whether it’s an original copy of a Jane Eyre novel or a downloadable ebook of a J.K. Rowling series, now is the best time for you to catch up on literature. The only thing you’ll spend on is the book itself and nothing more. You can even tap the writer within you and author a fiction novel or document an autobiography.

Be a volunteer

Instead of staying at home and watching whatever is on TV, try to take part in outreach programs that aim to help build the community and assist the needy. It may be an orphanage, a group of unemployed parents, or an environmental organization. You may not have known it yet but volunteerism may just be one of the most fulfilling activities you’ll ever do. Maybe you have been active in monetarily contributing to the less fortunate over the years, but being physically present to see the expression of organizations and individuals you have helped definitely feels different.

Stay Active

Stretch out your legs and move more often. Being physically active will dramatically improve your health and effectively prevents boredom. Consult your doctor to determine the best exercise for you. If you want to have more fun, you can try dancing! And if you feel like being a little competitive, get into sports. Choose one that is athletic yet relaxing, like golf. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran in the sport, you can always find the perfect gear designed for your skill level, which is offered in brands like Lamkin Grips. Spend some time alone or do it with a loved one. Either way, going outdoors and staying active will actually make you happier and healthier.


Author Bio

Amanda Smith is a blogger based in San Diego, California. She loves writing about health and wellness, technology and gadgets, travel and arts, and just about anything that tickles her fancy. When she’s not writing, she’s busy catching up on her favorite sitcoms with her yellow Labrador, Chandler Tribbiani. You can catch more of her works at her gang’s hangout, wordbaristas.com.

Retirement and Recycling: See Why These Two Go Hand in Hand with a Great Future

No one can escape retirement and the good part is that no one wants to. We have to take some time to enjoy peaceful days, to explore new things, to adapt and perhaps prepare a more calm, relaxed mentality and to apply a different angle on the way we see the world. Actually, the people who retire are the ones who are truly blessed: you get to spend more time with the people who matter, you get to watch over your grandchildren, you have tons of offers and resorts to select from and you finally have the time to do it all. 

Retirement should not be scary at all. Of course, it is a major change in our lives, but it also a change that is much needed. It is the time to either develop a small business that does not require too much energy or the time to write books, read stories, live through the eyes of the family’s youngsters. Some might think retirement is taking a step back, but I think retirement is a step forward. We, as human beings, have the capacity to embrace change and to adapt. Even more than that, we have the ability to recreate our surroundings so that we enjoy it and feel at ease in our environment. Creativity never leaves the human mind alone, as we strive to create a comfortable present and a better future. 

Recycling Bin (Photo credit: Canton Public Library (MI))

So what does this have to do with recycling? The answer is the future, of course. Sure, we “live the moment” and are anchored in our present like a key is in a locker. But what we all do, in a conscious or subconscious way, is to look and to walk towards the future. The key we talked about, well, it can open or close a locker. Humans can also open or close the future through their actions. Ignorance can easily lock away all the possibilities, while implication can unlock new opportunities and a new world. Recycling is that part that can unlock the future: not only for us, but for our family members, for our children and for our friends and neighbors. It is a way of giving back to the community or the group that has been supporting you for all those years. 

The EPA.gov website explains in several reports why recycling is needed and how recycling donations can be made in the USA. The first things we can recycle are of course electronics such as laptops, PCs, cellphones and Printers. These are the things we use the most and the one which deteriorate fast or downgrade. The Tech industry itself promotes the idea of getting rid of the old and embracing the new. And while we are tempted to get the latest notebooks and gadgets, what should we do with the old ones? 

Another answer: Recycle. Probably a reason to why many businesses were born: out of the need for a greener feature, a place where people can bring their old stuff and receive financial compensation and a place where people can actually buy cheaper recycled material. Here is an example: cartridgeexpress.net is one of those companies that recycles and buys material that can be recycled and reused. They operate in the PC&Electronics recycling industry, focusing on printers, ink cartridges and other components. People can both give up for recycling or buy recycled products and lower prices, with the same quality. 

All these actions lead to a better future: more workplaces, more businesses, a greener environment, a green retirement, a better tomorrow for our loved ones. So there you have it: a worldwide action towards greener living, greener products and a greener future for us all. 

Interesting Recycling Facts 

Did you know that if you recycle approx. 1,000,000 notebooks, you can save the energy equivalent to the average electricity usage by more than 3,500 homes every year? And that for every 1 million Smartphones and cell phones we recycle, 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered?

How Loan Rates Affect the Housing Market

Interest rates vary for a number of reasons. However, what affects them the most are changes in the decisions of the Federal Reserve, the current state of the economy, and the rate at which people are either borrowing or saving.

A huge percentage of home sales are normally financed. People buying homes usually apply for mortgages, which is actually just the act of borrowing money. Therefore, when the reasons mentioned above undergo changes, it is typical to expect that the housing market will be affected.

Interest rates refer to a percentage of the total money borrowed which is charged to the borrower by the lender for its use. Of course, the higher the interest rate, the larger the amount of money the borrower is expected to pay. The reason the housing market is affected by the change in the Federal Reserve’s decisions is because the Federal Reserve, just like lenders, sets an interest rate at which it lends money to financial institutions including banks. In turn, this interest rate that is charged to the banks and other financial institutions will affect the rate at which they lend money to businesses and potential home buyers who want to apply for a mortgage. Any increase in the rate of the Federal Reserve is proportional to the rate of the banks and other financial institutions.

For that reason, when the interest rate of loans and mortgages is lower, people are more encouraged to borrow as they know that in doing so, their loan will be cheaper and will cost them less. On the other hand, when the interest rate is high, borrowing money slows and the number of people applying for loans and mortgages are fewer. So, the lower the interest rate, the more sales there are in the housing market.

When mortgage rates are lower, there is no doubt that homes become more affordable. More people want to apply for a mortgage and purchase a home, which definitely helps boost the sales in the real estate market. Even those homeowners who are looking for opportunities to refinance take advantage of the times when rates are low. When refinancing, a homeowner can trade their current home loan for a new one, which can be more affordable for them. In addition, low rates also help development and construction companies. Since more people want to purchase homes, there is an increase in demand for houses. Therefore, not only do development and construction companies gain business but they also get to finance their construction at lower costs since they can borrow money with low rates.

Interest Rates (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

One important thing to keep in mind, though, is that even if loan rates are affecting the housing market’s mortgage prices, sometimes they aren’t in direct correlation. As mentioned earlier, low rates often result in more demand for houses, which home sellers sometimes take as an opportunity to increase the price of their house. However, if the prices get too high, buyers back off, which may result in a decline in demand, which could hurt the housing market.

If you are a home owner, you should know that adjustable rate mortgages are affected also by the Federal Reserve, the economy, and the rate at which people borrow or save. You are lucky if you have a mortgage which is locked in for a certain period of time; however, if you are tied in to an adjustable rate mortgage, then you should expect that the interest rate might vary at any time. It could change every year or as often as every month, depending on the state of the market and the three factors mentioned earlier. When the recession hit back in 2008, there were a number of homeowners who had to face foreclosure because they weren’t able to make their mortgage payments. Their mortgage rates increased to an amount which they weren’t able to afford any longer.

So, if you are currently locked into an adjustable rate mortgage, make sure to prepare for the possible increase or decrease. Monitor your credit reports and adjust your finances accordingly. Make sure to put away a little more money for your monthly mortgage payment than you usually pay. This way, you know that you have the money to make your mortgage payments, despite a change in the interest rates.

Author Bio:

Joy Mali is an active finance blogger who is fond of sharing interesting finance management tips to encourage people to manage their personal finances. More specifically, she advocates that people should check credit reports and scores regularly.

Apartment Living on a Budget: How to Get the Most for your Money

Living paycheck to paycheck is never fun, especially when living in an apartment and being restricted by your lease terms. 

According to a recent survey done by The National Multi Housing Council, 63% of renters have an income of less than $35,000. If you find yourself struggling to make ends meet each month or simply want some extra spending cash, follow these tips for renters looking to cut costs. 

Research Hidden Costs

Saving money as a renter starts before you even move in. Instead of making a decision based on the rent price, do as much research as possible before putting down a deposit. While you'll know upfront how much your rent will cost, there are plenty of hidden fees that can add up once you're living somewhere.

By gathering the following, you can make an educated projection about your monthly expenses:

• Contact your local utility provider and ask about the average monthly bill for a certain apartment complex. 
• Check apartment review sites to see what past and present tenants are saying. Seek out any mentions of unexpected costs from landlords. These Orlando apartment reviews are a great example of what to look for. 

Talk to current tenants. When checking out an apartment, ask the property manager if they can put you in touch with tenants so you can ask about their experience. 

Buy Used Furniture

Shopping on Craigslist can save you thousands of dollars if you plan to furnish an entire apartment. With 50 million people using Craigslist every year, even smaller cities may offer a surprisingly abundant furniture selection.

To get the most out of buying secondhand furniture:
Look for moving or estate sales, where sellers are trying to get rid of items quickly. You can often negotiate lower prices if you buy a bundle of items.
Ask if the furniture has been in a smoker's home or a house with pets. While some odors may air out, pet stains and smoke will most likely linger forever.
Don't get distracted by fabrics and color. You can always re-upholster or paint furniture. Above all else, focus on quality and design.

Cut Back on Utility Costs

According to a National Consumer Spending Survey the average amount of money spent on gasoline and energy bills per month is $151. 

Fortunately, there are plenty ways for renters to save on energy costs:

Use compact fluorescent bulbs. While these are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they can save you tons per light bulb over the course of a year. 

• Considering how many bulbs you may have in your apartment, this small change can bring you huge savings. 
• Be smart about using power strips. Appliances plugged in when not in use are still using electricity (such as TVs, computers, and gaming consoles). Instead of leaving these appliances on all the time, you can plug them all into a power strip and switch the strip off when not in use. 
• Ask your landlord to redo any worn away weather stripping on doors and windows. Cold air seeping in can increase heating costs, while warm air getting in will make you run your AC more often. 

The bills for living in an apartment and everything that goes with it don't need to leave you with an empty bank account. If you buy secondhand furniture, project an accurate monthly budget before moving in, and cut down on utility bills, you might actually be able to save money.

How Will the Affordable Care Act Affect Medicare?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is set to take full effect next year. The legislation is set to cut $716 billion from Medicare and will bring some significant changes to the program. The Affordable Care Act has already expanded Medicare coverage to include preventive care, and it’s slowly closing the coverage gap in Medicare Part D. 

The Affordable Care Act aims to improve the quality of hospital care for seniors by rewarding hospitals that provide quality care with increased funding, and penalizing those who provide poorer care with decreased funding. Although the legislation does cut some Medicare programs, these cuts aren’t intended to affect benefits; instead, they’re meant to increase Medicare’s cost-effectiveness by moving the money to areas of the program where it can be put to better use.

How Are Medicare Benefits Changing?

The Affordable Care Act broadens existing Medicare benefits, making it possible for seniors on Medicare to receive preventive care with no out-of-pocket costs. Seniors can now get check-ups, cancer screenings, vaccines and other forms of preventive care for free. These changes have been in effect since 2011.

Another important change in Medicare benefits under the Affordable Care Act concerns the so-called “donut hole,” or the coverage gap in Medicare Part D. Under Medicare Part D, many seniors must pay for their own prescription drug costs. As of 2012, seniors receiving Medicare became eligible for discounts on brand-name and generic prescription drugs. These discounts will grow each year until 2020, when the coverage gap should close completely, and Medicare recipients will only need to pay co-pays for their prescription drugs.

The Affordable Care Act also aims to reduce federal spending on Medicare Advantage, a form of supplemental Medicare insurance administered by private insurance companies. Medicare Advantage, which was originally intended to reduce federal spending on Medicare, has turned out to cost the government 14 percent more per patient than traditional Medicare. It is hoped that cutting federal spending on Medicare Advantage will lower overall Medicare costs.

What Is the Value-Based Payment Provision?

Under the Affordable Care Act, providers who offer high-quality care to Medicare patients stand to receive a one percent increase in Medicare payments in 2014, and a two percent increase in Medicare payments in 2015. Conversely, those who provide a lower standard of care — as measured by high re-admittance rates and patient dissatisfaction — stand to lose up to two percent of their payments from Medicare by 2015.

In this way, the Affordable Care Act intends to improve the quality of care seniors receive.Quality care is something that professionals in the field will have to focus on. Though it may have gone unmentioned before, health care employees had better take notice or suffer the consequences. Human services will be especially influential in this regard and it is anticipated that more positions in human resources will be created to address the importance of quality care. To learn more about earning a human services degree online, you can research online for a program that fits you. 

Where Are the Medicare Cuts Coming From?

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the anticipated total cost of Medicare over the next 10 years will be about $7.5 trillion. Between 2013 and 2022, the Affordable Care Act plans to cut $716 billion from Medicare. Of that amount, $415 billion comes from federal payments to care providers and private insurance companies. The rest of the cuts come from parts of the program that are not considered to be cost effective, such as the Medicare Disproportionate Share Program, which compensates hospitals for treating lower-income Medicare recipients who do not have supplemental insurance.

How Does the Affordable Care Act Change Medicare Funding?

The Affordable Care Act changes Medicare funding by reallocating the $716 billion in cuts to other parts of the program, where it’s believed the money can be put to better use. The new law will also levy a 0.9 percent tax on members of the top tax bracket in order to raise money for the new law.

The legislation also allows for the creation of an Independent Payment Advisory Board, which will have the authority to recommend reduced provider payments if Medicare spending grows too fast in the future. Payments from Medicare to health care providers will also grow at a slower rate. These two things are intended to keep Medicare costs down in the future. Medicare is expected to cost $900 billion per year by 2022.

The Affordable Care Act has expanded Medicare benefits to include preventive care like checkups, vaccines and cancer screenings. Over the next several years, it will gradually close the coverage gap in Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage to seniors. It will also cut spending on Medicare Advantage and tie providers’ payments to the quality of the care they give. The Affordable Care Act intends to fund these changes and keep Medicare solvent in the future with $716 billion in cuts to other parts of the program and with a 0.9 percent tax increase on members of the top bracket.

About the Author: Contributing blogger Alisa Martin has more than 15 years of experience in public health policy. She currently works with his local government to improve public health services.